Topics: Insurance Law - 38 results

Driving while intoxicated may be an "accident" waiting to happen. But there’s nothing accidental about the tactics of one insurance company in denying benefits under accidental death policies when insureds die as a result of driving while intoxicated.   Accidental death policy said not to cover death while DWI Insurance company’s line rejected in a number of prior cases Denial exposes ugly underside of policy interpretation, benefits law   Accidental Death Insurer Refuses to Pay DWI Death Claims The Life …

A woman whose house burned down at Christmastime 2009 has won a $784,000 jury verdict against her homeowner’s insurer. The verdict included an 18 percent penalty because the jury found the insurer acted in bad faith in failing to pay the claim.   Jury finds insurer acted in bad faith by claiming arson in Christmas fire Bad faith laws protect consumers from stonewalling and excess judgments Whether a state is liberal or conservative often determines its bad faith insurance laws …

Although Irene packed a smaller than predicted punch, many areas have seen serious flooding. Your home or car may have been damaged by water, wind or falling trees. Now’s the time to assess the damage, call the insurance company and get going on those repairs.   Cleanup after Irene could be costly, time-consuming Get the best possible adjustment of your insured loss Use a reputable contractor, avoid fraud and scams Like this article? Share it with others using this link: …

Let’s hope low-lying areas are spared serious flooding this weekend. We’ve had enough of that throughout the plains and Midwest this year. But if it does, mold and mildew may follow. Beware of mold/mildew remediation scams. Make sure the work is done well and lawfully.   Irene likely to soak flood-prone areas and beyond Mold and mildew a common, unhealthy flooding aftermath Flood insurance will cover mold damage, homeowners may not Like this article? Share it with others using this …

Did you feel it? There are no reports of deaths or major damage as yet from today’s 5.9 magnitude central Virginia earthquake. Property owners would be wise to check their property carefully for structural and utility damage.   Sizable earthquake in Virginia; shaking felt along much of East Coast and inland No reports of structural damage yet; owners should inspect their property Earthquakes not covered by standard homeowner’s policy; added coverage expensive Like this article? Share it with others using …